News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) 2026 Civic Space Update highlights a continued deterioration of conditions for civil society across the EU, with 75% of organisations reporting barriers to their work and over 70% noting worsening conditions at EU or national level . CSOs face persistent threats, including online attacks (67%), smear campaigns (60%),
Read more →Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report confirms a continued global decline in political rights and civil liberties for the 20th consecutive year, with 54 countries deteriorating and only 35 improving, while just 21% of the world’s population lives in “Free” countries. The decline is driven by armed conflict, attacks on democratic institutions, and
Read more →A private criminal lawsuit filed by the Serbian company Millennium Team against N1 journalist Maja Nikolić has raised serious concerns among media freedom advocates, who warn that the case may be intended to intimidate journalists reporting in the public interest. The company is seeking a prison sentence of up to one year, accusing Nikolić of
Read more →On March 25, BCSDN member CRNVO organised a high-level consultative meeting in Podgorica on the draft Law on NGOs, bringing together government, EU, and civil society representatives to assess its impact on civic space. The discussion centred on whether the law would support civil society or introduce increased control. Representing BCSDN, Anja Bosilkova-Antovska raised concerns
Read more →The adoption of the Law on Transparency in the Representation of Interests in Bulgaria has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on civic space. While the law aims to regulate lobbying and increase transparency, concerns focus on its rushed adoption and broad scope, which does not clearly distinguish between public interest advocacy and
Read more →A new report by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation reveals escalating threats against women human rights defenders worldwide, based on survey responses from nearly 800 activists in 81 countries. The State of Women Human Rights Defenders 2026 shows that 69 % of respondents have faced threats and harassment, with more than half identifying state actors as perpetrators,
Read more →BIRN Albania and SCiDEV have released a report assessing media freedom, pluralism, and journalist safety in Albania during 2025. The report examines legal reforms, institutional changes, and working conditions in the context of Albania’s EU accession process. While some procedural steps were taken to strengthen safeguards, structural challenges persist. Journalists continue to face pressure, intimidation,
Read more →Gender is increasingly weaponised in digital spaces across the region, with women activists, journalists, and public figures facing coordinated online backlash, particularly around International Women’s Day mobilisations. In Albania, feminist activists and journalists were targeted with disinformation and sexist smear campaigns, including attacks against reporters covering corruption. In Serbia, protests were framed as political manipulation,
Read more →A Turkish court’s decision to jail investigative journalist İsmail Arı has drawn strong criticism from media freedom advocates, who warn of growing pressure on independent journalism in Turkey. Detained on charges of spreading “misinformation,” Arı is seen by rights groups as being targeted for reporting on sensitive issues, including corruption and religious networks. Advocacy organisations
Read more →Local initiatives in Serbia, highlighted through the ACT – for a Stronger Civil Society programme, show how CSOs drive accountability by identifying concrete community issues and proposing policy solutions. Examples include initiatives on improving air quality, strengthening child protection in media reporting, addressing gaps in social protection affecting women, and advocating for better water infrastructure
Read more →A recent analysis by the Global Fund for Community Foundations highlights a deepening global crisis affecting both democracy and civil society, with implications for CSO accountability. The rise of far-right movements, alongside reputational attacks and criminalisation of civil society, is shrinking civic space and limiting the ability of CSOs to act as watchdogs and hold
Read more →Philea, through the Journalism Funders Forum, has released a new report examining how philanthropic organisations are funding journalism and media in Europe. The study highlights that while the field is widely recognised as essential for democracy, accountability, and countering misinformation, it receives only a small portion of philanthropic budgets. Despite this, there is a slow
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